Jordan House: A Journey Through Iowa's History

Step back in time at the Jordan House, a stately Italianate Gothic home built in 1850 by James C. Jordan, one of West Des Moines' first settlers. This historic house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, offers a unique window into Iowa's past.James Jordan, a cattle farmer and staunch abolitionist, played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, using his home as a haven for freedom seekers. The house also welcomed weary travelers heading west and served as a gathering place for local leaders. Radical abolitionist John Brown even stayed at the Jordan House on multiple occasions, once while leading a group of formerly enslaved people to freedom.A tour of the Jordan House reveals sixteen period rooms filled with antique treasures that reflect the heritage of West Des Moines. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to the Underground Railroad and artifacts from the early days of the railroad in West Des Moines. The house itself evolved over time, with expansions in 1870 adding more space for Jordan's growing family. Today, the Jordan House stands as a museum and the office of the West Des Moines Historical Society, offering guided tours that bring its history to life.